Lanzhou, Xiahe, Zhagana, Tongren, Xining, Gangcha, Chaka
Outdoor & Adventure, Off the Beaten, Nature & Wildlife
Southern Gansu, an integral part of the Silk Road and the Tangfan Ancient Road, offers not only vast and stunning plateau scenery but also rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage.
Qinghai, renowned for its majestic natural beauty in the Tibetan Plateau, is a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups including Han, Tibetan, Hui, Mongolian, Tu, Salar, and others. Each group contributes to the region’s vibrancy of distinct folk customs, making it an ideal destination for immersive ethnic experiences.
This tour allows you to explore the holy paradise of southern Gansu, where you can listen to the healing chants of sutras at Labrang Monastery and experience the tranquillity of Langmu Monastery, often likened to a paradise on earth. Witness devout followers reciting the Six Character Truth and offering heartfelt prostrations along the paths, deeply immersed in their faith.
In Qinghai, delve into the enchanting surroundings of Qinghai Lake, interact with local ethnic minorities, and immerse yourself in their rich cultural traditions.
Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel
Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Gansu Museum
Pay a visit to the Gansu Museum, which houses over 350,000 artefacts in two main sections: Natural Sciences and History. Here, admire collections of colour-painted potteries from the Neolithic Age, and treasures from ancient grottoes. If your visit ends in the evening, head to the Dazhongxiang food street for a taste of authentic Lanzhou flavours.
Car Transfer: Lanzhou to Linxia
You will be driven to Linxia (139km/approx. 2h). Here, immerse yourself in the unique Arabian-style atmosphere and witness the piety of the Islamic community firsthand. If you wish, stop for a meal to savour Linxia’s local cuisine.
Grottoes of the Bingling Temple
Visit the Bingling Temple Caves, renowned Buddhist caves famous for their historical significance. Ranked as one of the Four Most Famous Caves in China, they are regarded as second only to Dunhuang’s Mogao Grottoes.
Car Transfer: Linxia to Xiahe
Continue to Xiahe (approx. 2h), and check into your accommodation for the night.
Labrang Monastery
Zhagana Stone Town
Visit Zhagana Stone Town, renowned for its primitive and authentic Tibetan fortress. Here, you can explore the old and rustic pedal houses, immersing yourself in the simplicity of traditional folk customs.
Langmusi Town
In the afternoon, drive 140 km / 2 hrs to Langmusi Town to behold
the relic of Living Buddha Kirti V and witness the enigmatic Zhodo Tidro Hermitage, a sacred Tibetan sky burial ground. Then, explore the Namo Grand Canyon on horseback and discover the source of the White Dragon River.
Car Transfer: Langmusi to Tongren with Sightseeing
Embark on a drive to Ganjia Grassland (215km/approx. 3.5h), which boasts undeveloped and less commercialised appeal. Following the tour, continue to Tongren (70km/approx. 1.5h).
Treasures of Tongren
Visit Wutun Temple, where elderly monks explain the fundamental techniques of Rakugo art, encompassing mural painting, thangka, pile embroidery, woodcutting, and clay sculpture, and marvel at a remarkably preserved 600-year-old thangka.
Following the tour, visit Wutun Village, where you’ll experience a home visit with a Raikong artiste, delving deeper into the art of painting passed down through generations. Proceed to Guomari Castle, constructed during the Ming Dynasty, and discover its historical significance as an outpost fortification on the Tunken frontier.
Car Transfer: Tongren to Ledu with Sightseeing
Drive to Ledu to visit the Qutan Temple (180km/approx. 2.5h), renowned for being the best-preserved Ming Dynasty complex in the Northwest. Often dubbed the “Little Forbidden City” due to its similar structural layout, this state-level protected religious complex offers a typical representation of ancient Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) temples, a rarity in Qinghai.
Car Transfer: Ledu to Xining
Continue to Xining (88km/approx. 1.5h), and check into your accommodation for the night.
Car Transfer: Xining to Gangcha with Sightseeing
Depart for Jinyintan Grassland (120km/approx. 3h), reputedly the most beautiful grassland on the north shore of Qinghai Lake. Following this, visit the Atomic City, the development site of China’s first atomic and hydrogen bombs.
Continue to Gangcha (88km/approx. 1.5h) and ascend the hill to witness the colourful flags fluttering in the wind, where you may offer your prayers for peace.
Car Tansfer: Gangcha to Chaka with Sightseeing
Embark on a scenic drive along the northwestern shore of Qinghai Lake, with breathtaking vistas of the sea and sky. Head to Chaka (195km/approx. 3h), and pass through the Quanji township along the way, where you can capture stunning photographs of flocks of cows and sheep against the backdrop of the magnificent scenery of water and sky.
Upon arrival in Chaka town, marvel at the mesmerising beauty of the “sky mirror”, often likened to China’s Salar de Uyuni – Chaka Salt Lake.
Car Transfer: Chaka to Xining with Sightseeing
Drive to Heimahe town (83km/approx. 1h). Along the south shore of Qinghai Lake, from the Heimahe to the Jiangxi ditch sections, be treated to the sight of a thousand tents and fluttering streamers amidst herds of cattle and sheep, before reaching the Qinghai Lake Erlangjian scenic area. Also known as China’s first torpedo launch test base, this narrow and pointed peninsula, shaped like a sword, is a dazzling pearl of the Qinghai Lake tourist area. Continue to Xining (213km/approx. 3h), and admire the majestic Sun Moon Mountain along the way.
Ta’er Monastery
This morning, we embark on a drive to Ta’er Monastery (approx. 30km/40min). Also known as Kumbum Monastery or Ta’er Temple in Chinese, the monastery holds a significant place amongst the Six Greatest Tibetan Gelug Monasteries. It is revered as the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the Yellow Hat Sect. With its rich history, noble statues, and remarkable “Three Arts,” this monastery is honoured as “the Second Lumbini Garden” for worshippers worldwide, and stands as a prominent landmark for travellers.
Car Transfer: To the Airport
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Hyatt Hotel • Norden Camp • Yunju Homestay • International Hotel • Shengyutianlun Hotel • Sofitel Hotel • Fanyuzangcheng Linka Hotel • Wanfeng Hotel
Located along the graceful Yellow River bank and close to CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and Dongfanghong Square, scenic spots and prosperous shopping districts are within easy reach, the transportation is convenient. (Opened: 2020, 383 rooms）
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The Norden Camp is set in an area of remarkable and pure natural beauty. Surrounded by effervescent wildlife and lush greenery, it’s a stunning destination to connect with unspoilt landscapes and local culture. (Opened: 2014, 13 rooms）
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Located near a train station, Sofitel Xining is a great choice for a stay in Xining. The hotel’s 492 rooms and suites filled with luxury, calm and incomparable pleasure. Sleep soundly and awaken fully refreshed in the comfortable bed-a guarantee of sweet dreams and wonderfully restful nights. And all rooms with WiFi access. （Opened: 2015, 492 rooms）
Kindly call us at (852) 2885 2181 if you require any immediate assistance.
Call us at +852 2885 2181 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
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